Apicoectomy in Westlake Village
Sometimes a tooth that has already had a root canal keeps causing trouble: a tender spot near the root, swelling in the gum, or an infection that lingers at the very tip of the root where routine treatment cannot easily reach. For many patients, an apicoectomy offers a way to address that problem while keeping the natural tooth. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, we provide this procedure for patients throughout the Conejo Valley, including families and professionals in Westlake Village, with a board-certified endodontist on our team.
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that treats the end of a tooth's root, called the apex. Instead of reaching the problem through the top of the tooth, as in a traditional root canal, we access the root tip through the gum. We remove the inflamed or infected tissue along with the very end of the root, then place a small filling to seal the canal. This approach is sometimes called root-end surgery.
For Westlake Village patients, the process usually begins with a consultation in our office. We review your symptoms and dental history and take detailed imaging. Our practice provides CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows the root, surrounding bone, and nearby structures more completely than a standard X-ray. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on our staff can interpret these scans, which helps us plan treatment carefully. You do not need a referral to see our endodontic team.
Apicoectomy is usually considered when a tooth has already had root canal therapy but symptoms or infection persist near the root tip. It may also be an option when a tooth has a crown or post that would be difficult to remove, or when the shape of the root makes treatment from the top of the tooth impractical.
Not every lingering problem calls for surgery. Our endodontist also performs root canal retreatment, and sometimes that is the more fitting first step. A cracked tooth or a tooth that cannot be restored may need a different approach altogether. During your visit, we explain what the imaging shows and walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision. If keeping the tooth is not realistic, our practice also offers extractions and tooth replacement options such as dental implants and bridges.
What happens during an apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is typically completed in a single visit at our office, with the area numbed so you stay comfortable. Your endodontist works on the small area around the root tip, cleans away the affected tissue, seals the root end, and closes the gum.
Here is what the appointment generally involves:
- Local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum
- A small opening in the gum to reach the root tip
- Removal of inflamed or infected tissue and the end of the root
- A small filling placed to seal the root canal from the end
- Stitches to help the gum heal
If dental visits make you anxious, you have options. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We can talk through which level of sedation, if any, makes sense for you. For Westlake Village patients with sudden pain or swelling, we also offer same-day emergency endodontic appointments when possible.
What is recovery like after an apicoectomy?
Most patients can expect some tenderness and mild swelling for a few days while the gum begins to heal. Before you leave, we give you specific aftercare instructions and answer any questions so you know exactly what to expect at home.
Aftercare commonly includes eating softer foods, chewing on the opposite side, and keeping the area clean while following our guidance on brushing near the stitches. We schedule a follow-up visit to check how the area is healing, and future imaging may be recommended to monitor the bone around the root. If anything feels unusual during recovery, please call our office. Since we also provide general and family dentistry, your routine cleanings and exams can continue with the same team that treated your tooth.
How can I pay for an apicoectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our endodontic care is billed to insurance as specialist care. Our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment so there are fewer surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread the cost of care over time. During your consultation, we review the treatment plan and costs with you openly. If you live or work in Westlake Village and have a tooth that is still bothering you after a root canal, we would be glad to take a closer look and help you explore your options for keeping your natural smile.